The Family Groove Belly Files

THE BELLY FILES
MATERNITY FASHION'S HOTTEST HOUSES TALK SHOP-PING

Looking and feeling pretty, oh so pretty isn't always easy when your belly is a-swelling. A lot of times
mamas-to-be resort to oversized (read: frumpy) clothes (read: their husband's), feeling as out of touch
with the latest styles and how to wear them as they do with their growing bodies.

THE FAMILY GROOVE is here to say that you don't have to sacrifice style for the next nine plus months—
and you don't have to spend a fortune to do so either. Each month, we'll give you the skinny on the
hippest bump styles à la mode straight from the fashion experts who created them.



Calling all hot mamas: Stephanie Hanson-Boyle of the celebrity-loved Chiarakruza helps you dress for the season. With summer fast approaching and your belly rapidly growing, it’s about that time to check out what’s hot and what’s not for the sizzling season. Chiarakruza has all the right tips to keep you looking and feeling cool.

WHITE ON!
Bright whites and silky creams are big this season. Picking light colors will definitely keep you feeling fresh during the summer months. Crisp, clean and cool, these pieces are far from basic. You’ll go crazy for the Reeba Dress in Cream—it’s very comfortable and chic with a great pair of sandals. To help accentuate your tummy, try these cute tops: Mika Tunic in Cream, Paulette Top in White, Martina Tank in Cream, Summer Shirt in White, Valerie Tank in Butter and the Paulina Top in White. All of these shirts can be paired up with the very hip Sadie Pant in White, Morgan Skirt in White, Houston Pant in White and the Texas Pant in Oyster.

BOLD IS BEAUTIFUL
Not only are the light colors making their mark, but bold colors should also play a big role in your wardrobe. Try the Buckhead Tank in Grass, the Martina Tank in Fire or the Greta Tank in Electric to add spice to your everyday look. Also, the Valerie Tank and Argyle Dress in Fire will surely catch your eye. You’ll love seeing your belly wrapped in these exquisite colors.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A return to nature will also be seen this summer season. Big florals, earth tones and pastels should be on your wardrobe checklist. Check out the Pucci Top in Lila. This floral, pretty pattern is just right for this season. You can also rock the outdoors with the Thea Dress in Lila or the Morgan Skirt in Lila. Looking for a great bottom wardrobe piece? Go for the Daniella Pant in Beige. If that doesn’t make you feel earthy enough, try the Cairo Top in Dusk Blue or the Avalon Tunic in Paisley. You can find the same hot paisley print in the Argyle Top and the Monet Skirt. All of these pieces were made with hot summer days in mind, so the fabric is breathable and stretches easily.

DE RIGUEUR
Three big trends this summer are shorts and crops; sexy, feminine tops; and dresses. Check out the Lula Short in Ecru, Venus Short in Cream, Summer Short in White Stripe or Monte Carlo Crop in Cream. These four pieces are perfect for any body size and will accommodate you and your tummy. Form-fitting tube tops help you stay cool and up your maternity sex appeal. The Michaela Tube Top is absolutely perfect. It comes in a variety of colors, including Charcoal, Cream, Black, White, Biscotti and Fire. For a tube top dress, go for the Rachel Dress in Black. No wardrobe would be complete without a flirty summer dress. Check out the Yasmine Dress in White—it’s completely fabulous and stylish. A piece sure to become one of your favorites is the Faith Dress in Electric. You’ll also love the Dylan Dress in Raspberry, the Marc Dress in Black and the Turks Dress in Paisley.

BYE-BYE BABY
So, we know what’s on the hot list, but what about the not list? This summer, ditch the baby doll dresses and opt for empire-waist tops and dresses. Get rid of anything overly glitzed—lose all the beading, sequins and over-the-top glimmery pieces. Just keep a few more-subdued metallic pieces—the ones that don’t look like a disco ball. And, lastly, forget about baring too much skin. Sexy is in, but skimpy is just plain tacky.

For more from this fashion-forward line go to www.chiarakruza.com